MOTORISTS are braced for three weeks of misery on North Wales' busiest road.

Massive delays are expected at key times as work is carried out on the westbound carriage-way between junction 30 and 32 of the A55 at Caerwys, near Holywell.

A contraflow system has been introduced with all vehicles using the eastbound carriageway and a 40mph speed limit has been put in place.

At busy periods during the weekend, traffic was tailing back westwards down Rhuallt Hill and motoring organisations were kept busy dealing with cars over-heating.

AWelsh Assembly spokesman said engineers are preparing the section for resurfacing and the work is anticipated to take three weeks.

Motorists were angered at the lack of a sign-posted alternative

route or diversion.

Angry businessman Bob Young from Penmaenmawr was heading to Liverpool airport to catch a flight to Germany yesterday morning.

The 51-year old said he only just made the flight after being held up for 45 minutes.

He said: "I allowed myself two hours to complete a journey which normally takes 70 minutes because of the increased security requirements at airports these days. The road delays meant I was held up without notice.

"It was touch and go to get to the airport in time.

" The first Iknew about this work was the road signs. If I had known, by a radio announcement or on the traffic matrix signs I would have taken the coast road."

Tourism bosses are concerned over the effect the holdups might have on inbound traffic, especially at weekends.

A North Wales Tourism spokeswoman said the difficulties could damage the region's tourism industry.

"Short breaks are veryimportant for the tourist industry in North Wales.

"At this time of year these breaks account for much of the business.

"We promote North Wales as a short break destination, stating that there is easy access. Visitors come and find themselves in traffic." . A woman was seriously injured when she was in collision with a vehicle on the westbound carriageway of the A55 outside the Travellers Inn in Caerwys.

The woman is believed to have sustained serious injuries to her head, arm and leg and was airlifted to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan by the North Wales Police helicopter.